Meet Kristin Burton: Building Connections with Students Through Guidance and Support
We are excited to feature Kristin Burton, the Jr./Sr. High School Counselor at Hoosic Valley. Kristin finds immense joy in connecting with students and learning about their interests, hobbies, and passions outside of school. She believes that these connections enrich her role and make her work more meaningful.
A particularly touching moment for Kristin occurred when she complimented a student’s artwork during a visit to her office. A few days later, the student returned and asked if Kristin would like one of her paintings to decorate her office. “It was such a sweet gesture,” Kristin shared. This small but meaningful interaction reminded her of how reciprocal relationships with students can be—while she provides guidance, they offer support in return.
Kristin finds that these moments are what make the hardest days also the most rewarding. “It’s these moments and experiences that show why the hardest days can also be the most rewarding,” she said.
Kristin is grateful for the support she’s received from her colleagues, especially Becky Kellerhouse and Jill Anderson. “They’ve taught me a lot about this job over the years and have been wonderful mentors and friends,” she explained. Having trusted people to connect with and rely on is something Kristin values deeply.
Her message is one she’s working on herself: “Don’t let one bad moment ruin a perfect day.”
